UNSPLASH
London: The World Health Organization has said the new strain of COVID-19 has been detected in eight European countries so far.
The WHO said it is continuing to monitor the situation.
Hans Kluge, WHO's Regional Director for Europe, tweeted: "8 countries in the @WHO_Europe region have now identified the new #COVID19 variant VOC-202012/01. It is vital to strengthen existing protective measures: distancing/masks/staying in core support bubbles."
The variant also seems to be spreading among younger age groups unlike previous strains. Vigilance is important while research is ongoing to define its impact #UnitedActionForBetterHealth
— Hans Kluge (@hans_kluge) December 25, 2020
He said the variant also seems to be spreading among younger age groups unlike previous strains.
" Vigilance is important while research is ongoing to define its impact #UnitedActionForBetterHealth," he said.
8 countries in the @WHO_Europe region have now identified the new #COVID19 variant VOC-202012/01. It is vital to strengthen existing protective measures: distancing/masks/staying in core support bubbles. @WHO is continuing to monitor & will provide updates? #solidarity is key
— Hans Kluge (@hans_kluge) December 25, 2020
The new strain of the coronavirus was firstly detected in the United Kingdom last week.
This type of the virus is 70 percent more transmissible than other SARS-CoV-2 variants.
After that, many countries introduced new travel restrictions.